Four easy ways to sterilize baby bottles

Your precious little angel is most vulnerable to illness and disease; it is especially so for the first year of their life. If the bottles for your baby are not sterilized, then you risk having bacteria build up. As a result, this would cause your child to fall ill. Therefore, identifying the best ways of how to sterilize baby bottles is an essential task that you will need to take on.

Fortunately for you, the sterilizing process of your baby’s bottle and the nipples is very straightforward. So why not read on and find out the different ways you can keep your baby feeding bottles sanitized. The following instructions can be used in all feeding equipment that you might be having; this is whether you are using expressed milk or the baby infant formula.

Important points to note

Just before, we answer the question on how to sterilize baby bottles, there a few things that you will need to remember. The first point is, you will need to ensure you clean the feeding bottle and teat, in hot soapy water. It should be as soon as you have finished feeding your baby. Additionally, ensure you have a clean brush to clean the bottle. The brush should only be used for cleaning your baby’s feeding equipment’s.

The next essential thing you would need to remember is to ensure you rinse all the equipment properly; it should be cold water just before you sanitize the equipment.

Brand new bottles also need to be sterilized, as it does not mean they are germ-free. Every time you purchase a new bottle or nipple, make sure to clean it properly using one of the methods that have been discussed below.

How to sterilize baby bottles

The Cold water sterilizing solution

The sterilizing solution has adequate instructions given by the manufacturer; it is important that you follow the instructions they have shared. The sterilizing solution will need to be changed every 24 hours, to ensure your little one is adequately protected from germs. When sterilizing the bottles, you will need to leave the feeding equipment in the solution for about 30 minutes. Ensure there is no air trapped in the teat and bottle when you are putting them in the sterilizing solution. All the equipment should be kept in the solution using a floating cover.

Microwave sterilizing

Using your microwave, you can quickly and efficiently sterilize your baby’s bottles. Before you start the sanitizing process, you will need to ensure that your microwave is clean; you could do a small scrub down. It will help in removing the food splatters that are found inside a microwave. There are two ways you can use the microwave in the sanitizing process.

The first easiest method is using a microwave as a steam sterilizer. The steam sterilizer is a big container that has been designed in a manner to accommodate your baby bottles. It works by directly heating the bottles, caps and nipples until they are thoroughly sanitized. All you will need to do is add water and toss it in the microwave.

The next method of sanitizing might not be as easy; it may require some careful balancing from you. After you have washed your bottles, as usual, place each container in the vertical direction in the microwave. You will need to microwave it for a minute and a half. To sterilize the rings and nipples, place them in a microwave safe bowl and fill with water, then microwave for a minute and a half.

Sterilizing by boiling

The method will require you to have a large pan or pot with a lid. It is advisable that you avoid using this pan for anything other than sterilizing the bottles. Place the nipples and bottles in the pan and cover them completely with water. If the bottles you are using are plastic, you might need to use something to weigh them down, as they will float. You will also need to ensure no air is trapped inside the bottle and nipples. Cover the pan and boil this for about five minutes.

If you are going to use this method for sanitization, you will need to check the nipples for damage continuously. The reason being, boiling water has been known to destroy the baby bottle nipples quicker than other methods of sterilizing.

Sterilizing using electric steamers

Any problem that you might encounter in the kitchen has an appliance that makes your life much easier. It is no different for sterilizing your baby’s bottles. All you need to do is just plug in the electric steamer and finish other errands in the house. You will only have to return once the bottles have been sterilized. Like the microwave method discussed, the electric steamer works by the use of high-temperature steam, to kill the bacteria and germs that are present in your baby nipples and bottles.

Some of the electric steamers that are present in the market will not only sanitize your baby’s feeding equipment but also deodorize and dry the equipment using hot air.

The above sanitizing method should aid in keeping the bottle germ free. Some additional must do’s to keep your child completely germ-free is, ensure the feeding equipment have been dried properly and separately. Keep them on a separate shelf and if possible try keep them in an airtight container once sterilized. Do not forget to wash your hands before touching the cleaned bottles.